Gentle Thunder lives and finds her inspiration in Mt. Shasta, CA. She has been sharing her heart and opening the hearts of others through her music for over 25 years. Gentle Thunder's musical journey began in Seattle, WA as a drummer and her expression has grown to encompass hammer dulcimer, piano, taiko and ceremonial drumming, as well as Native American flute. She is known in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Europe for honoring the circle of life wherever she shares her music with the intention of awakening and inspiring our connection to the web of life. After many years of supporting other artists as a drummer, Gentle Thunder reached out as a solo artist and created a beautiful solo hammer dulcimer CD entitled "Awakening Remembrance". Within this creation, the music is created to have each track take the listener deeper, build one upon the next taking you on a journey with the freedom to experience a different place within each time allowing the music to be an alive and vital reflection anew as life is an ever changing dance on the spiral of life. In 2004 "Winds of the Heart" was recorded where Gentle Thunder, the flute, and Spirit bring you the power and peace of simplicity. During this hour long flute meditation allow yourself to be guided into your breath, your place of center, into the Mystery that is your own unfolding. This album is perfect for setting the tone for a relaxing/healing environment and is played again and again by many listeners throughout the world. In 2006 Gentle Thunder then released "Beyond Words" with Will Clipman and AmoChip Dabney. On this album, Gentle Thunder brought all of her various instrumental voices together for the first time along with extraordinary musical offerings from these two amazing instrumentalists. Gentle Thunder plays grand hammer dulcimer, Native American flutes, and drum set on a couple tracks. Will Clipman, keeper of the heartbeat, creates a foundation and envelopes the music with his pan global percussive grooves while AmoChip Dabney offers his exquisite multi-textural layers of piano, bass and soprano sax. It promised to be a powerful chapter in Gentle Thunder's musical story of life, love, and the journey of the human heart at the time it was recorded and since it's release it indeed was just that...being given a GRAMMY nod in 2006 nominated for the Best New Age Album among many other accolades. In 2007 with her latest solo release entitled “Opening the Gate”, GRAMMY® nominated artist Gentle Thunder steps out with her fourth album that eloquently weaves all of her musical voices together, showcases her versatility and celebrates the path of a woman blazing her own trail in the world of music. It exemplifies the power of nuance and subtlety at it’s finest. The Wall Street Journal’s Jim Fusilli called her music “direct and organic”. Gene Bates - Whispering Wind Magazine writes: "The performances are strong, the songwriting is solid and the arrangements are flawless. The energy emitting from this CD is phenomenal!... Another triumph for Gentle Thunder, 'Opening the Gate' is excellent!" “Opening the Gate” is a timeless recording that brings the listener closest to the experience of one of Gentle Thunder's spirit infused live solo events. A present time capturing of her essence, both musically and energetically, it was pristinely recorded, mixed and mastered by Brian Todd at Rough Giraffe Studio in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Bette Timm, Aura Magazine writes: “Gentle Thunder’s grand hammer dulcimer immediately grabs your attention and calls you home to your heart, to your center, to a welcomed place within.”It was nominated Best Native American Album in the New Age Reporter Lifestyle Awards. In 2007 Gentle Thunder responded to a request from singer/songwriter Mariee Sioux to play Native American flute on her debut album “Faces in the Rocks”, and stepped forward to bring her artistry, ceremony and mentorship to this talented young artist. Mariee’s unique album was clearly and powerfully supported by the Great Mystery. It co-produced by Gentle Thunder and Dana Gumbiner who also engineered, mixed and mastered the album at Gumbiner's Station to Station Studio in Grass Valley, CA for the Grass Roots Record label. The Sacramento News and Review said: "’Faces in the Rocks’ features eight songs that meld together the best of the folk-pop tradition with a contemporary vibe, tempered with traditional American Indian instruments and spirituality." The fourth and final album recording sessions of 2007 for GT was a duo album with her 7/20 Twin, 5-time GRAMMY Nominee and percussionist extraordinaire Will Clipman. Both born on July 20th, they embrace and engage audiences with their intimate and authentic musical alchemy. The expansive range of Gentle Thunder’s grand hammer dulcimer, Native American flutes, and drumming, woven with Will’s pan-global palette of percussion, personifies their unique connection. This dynamic duo’s studio creation is an experience of live groove artistry. It is their clear intention to transport the listener beyond words to a place of pure rhythm and harmony, wherein the musicians become the instruments and there is only the music. Their new duo album, recorded by Jim Pavett at Allusion Studio, Tucson, AZ at the autumn Equinox in 2007. Being mixed and mastered by Brian Todd at Rough Giraffe Studios in the Santa Cruz, CA mountains, the new album is due out in early 2009. I will indeed be a sumptuous offering of their sonic and spiritual synergy. Experience the magic for yourself and thanks so much for being the change you wish to see in the world! Blessings and love on the winds...from my heart to yours, Gentle Thunder